The OPA monthly luncheon has been occurring since 1936. Keith Sharkie continues to be instrumental in this celebrated monthly event.

Each year, the May OPA monthly luncheon is designated as a Ladies Luncheon in recognition of women associated with the Old Paradians Association.  This year, it was also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of the latest recipient of the Old Paradians Association ‘Women of Distinction’ Award, Kaye Nailer. Kaye was to have this award presented to her in 2021 but sadly she passed away two weeks prior to receiving it.

Over 100 guests were in the room where Judge David Jones was the Master of Ceremonies. Steve Nailer (1987) was able to pay tribute to his mother in the presence of his wife, Kimberley, and their children with a large number of Kaye’s friends and family also in attendance. 

One of Kaye’s closest friends, Diane Vear, expressed her great honour by saying a few words for her dear and special friend. Two of Diane’s dearest friends have now received this prestigious Award, Kaye and Val Flynn. Their 40-year plus friendship was forged from the early days when the Vear and Nailer children attended St Damien's together. In recent years, Kaye had become Diane’s next door neighbour at the Bundoora Retirement Village. Diane spoke of how much joy Kaye brought to the Village.

Diane concluded that the award was so richly deserved and the OPA agrees wholeheartedly.